Liquor Authority eases regulations for beverage producers

ALBANY - Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Thursday announced changes effective immediately to the state Liquor Authority's regulations after issues were highlighted by beverage producers at the second Beer, Wine, Spirits and Cider summit that took place Tuesday.

The state Liquor Authority will simplify distilling manufacturing licenses, raise production limits, modernize shipping laws and lower licensing fees for craft manufacturers, all issues pushed for at the summit by beer, wine, spirits and cider producers.

"Just two days ago we heard firsthand from industry stakeholders on regulatory issues causing confusion and impending growth in New York's beverage industry," Cuomo said in a statement. "Today we are taking concrete actions to address these issues, so that New York businesses can continue to thrive and grow, creating jobs and stimulating the economy statewide."

The new regulations also clarified that beverage producers are now authorized to sell "growlers" for beer and cider, eliminated a $1,000 bond requirement for farm wineries and allowed manufacturers and wholesalers with multiple licenses to ship products in one shipment, instead of multiple shipments that were previously required.

At the summit, Cuomo also announced $6 million to go to a promotional campaign to boost the state's beverage producers.

Cuomo in 2011 launched a $60 million tourism campaign to publicize food and beverage products made-in-state called "Taste NY." Cuomo contended that the initial $60 million investment has yielded $4 billion in economic activity.

New York is home to nearly 500 wineries, breweries, distilleries and cideries. The number of farm-based beverage licenses has risen 72 percent since 2011, Cuomo said late last year.

"The governor's summit focused on partnering with the state's private sector producers so they can continue to create jobs and spur environmentally-friendly economic development within their communities and across the state," state Liquor Authority chairman Dennis Rosen said in a statement. "These actions taken today will make it easier for our farm-based beverage entrepreneurs to market and sell their products."